Dragonwagon, Crescent. Will it be Okay? Illustrated by Jessica Love. Cameron Kids, 2022. 978-1-951-83650-4. Unpaged. $18.99. Grades K-5.

As with many young children, the unnamed character in this picture book is anxious about life’s “what ifs?” With each new fear: “what if there is thunder and lightning?” or “what if I am mad at everyone?” and even “what if you die?” this child’s mother (parent relationship is assumed based on the similar features the adult and child share) assures her that everything will be okay. During a thunderstorm, simply listen to the thunder saying, “Look, look!” When you’re mad at everyone, sit by yourself “under a tree…[until] you are not mad at everyone.” And perhaps the most difficult question to answer is one about death, and the parent’s comforting response is “My loving doesn’t die. It stays with you.” With each question about life, the adult is able to validate the child’s fear and put her at ease with a response she  understands. Love’s (Julián Is a Mermaid) mostly black and white illustrations are enhanced by bright shades of orange and yellow as this duo discusses the many ways it will be okay.

THOUGHTS: Regardless of the child’s fear, this mother assures her that she will be okay and gives her strategies to overcome her fear. Recommended for elementary collections.

Picture Book          Maryalice Bond, South Middleton SD